by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

DETROIT -- One of the NHL on-ice officials in Sunday's game apparently was as happy that Detroit defenseman Jonathan Ericsson scored a game-winning goal with 4.5 seconds remaining as Red Wings fans were.

"The funniest thing is that one of the linesmen thanked me for scoring," Ericsson said. "He said, 'Thank you so much, I really have to go pee.' He wouldn't last overtime."

Ericsson scored 48 seconds after Alex Martinez had scored for the Los Angeles Kings to tie the game 2-2. The 3-2 win gave Detroit three wins in four days.

Considering the linesman's commitment to impartial officiating, you can assume he would have been equally happy if the Kings had scored with 4.5 seconds remaining.